Haumaru: Safe. Clean. Free. Accessible.
The Needle Exchange program is here to make sure people who inject drugs have easy, confidential access to the equipment they need to stay safe and reduce harm. No judgement, no questions, no barriers. Whether you're walking into one of our sites or ordering online, or visiting the outreach mobile service options, our focus is on you, your health, and your right to care and support.
The New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme (NEP) is a nationally funded health initiative, established in the late 1980s to reduce the spread of blood-borne viruses like HIV and Hepatitis C. It remains one of the country’s most effective public health programmes. Our services are peer-led and peer-based, grounded in harm reduction, and health and human rights focused.
People who use our services can access free, sterile injecting equipment, advice on safer use, and confidential disposal options for used items.
Ko Wai? Who Are We?
In the mid-1980s, injecting drug users in New Zealand mobilised to push for safe, legal access to clean needles. Their advocacy helped bring about a world-first: on 17 December 1987, Parliament passed legislation creating a national, government-funded needle exchange programme.
This legacy of community-led action and harm reduction continues today.
Whakapapa: A Bit of History
Poutini Waiora is proud to be part of the Te Waipounamu Collective, alongside He Waka Tapu, Ngā Kete Matauranga Pounamu Chartible Trust and Te Piki Oranga. Together we deliver the Needle Exchange Programme across the South Island.
Ngā Kete is a not-for-profit organisation with deep connections to our local community. For over 25 years, we have provided health and social services throughout Murihiku Southland, always focused on removing barriers and making sure support is within reach for everyone.
Our work is grounded in aroha ki te tangata (love for the people). That’s why we believe in making access to harm reduction tools simple, stigma-free, and safe.
He aha? Why Poutini Waiora?
Free injecting equipment
Safe disposal options
Peer-led advice and support
Fast online ordering
No need to register or give your name
Confidential, stigma-free service
Mobile outreach (coming 2026!)
Utauta : What We Offer
Harm reduction is about meeting people where they are, recognising that drug use is a reality and that safety and health must come first.
We work to:
Minimise the risk of infection
Prevent the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C
Provide safer injecting equipment
Ensure access to support and education
Offer a safe space free from stigma and discrimination
Whāinga: Harm Reduction & Our Goals
Tauwhiro Hapori; Order Online
Delivered to Your Door
You can now order directly from our website. It's easy, fast, free, and discreet.
No names needed. You can use your name if you wish, or simply click “To the householder”
Your info is only used for shipping
Tono: Order Now
We respect your privacy. All orders and interactions are 100% confidential. Your name is never required, and your information is never stored or shared beyond what’s needed for shipping.
Our goal is to remove any barriers between you and the health supplies you need.
Tūmataiti: Confidentiality
Toro Atu: Mobile Outreach Services – Coming Soon!
Commencing February 2026, our mobile needle exchange will be available in Hokitika, Mawhera and Kawatiri!
We'll be at accessible community locations every fortnight. Stay tuned for dates and locations. These will be updated every three months below: